Being Better

What a whirlwind the start of the new year has been. Every day, we find ourselves caught in a storm of chaos and uncertainty, driven by those in power.

When COVID-19 first emerged, despite the fear that gripped our lives, there was also a sense of unity. We cared for one another, and for a brief moment, the world felt more connected. But those days seem distant now. Today, we find ourselves entrenched in divisive, in-your-face politics, struggling to carve out a path in these unpredictable times.

Mass layoffs across major firms and government organizations dominate the headlines, while the stock market fluctuates unpredictably. With so many distractions pulling us in different directions, staying focused feels like an uphill battle. I have turned to my usual anchors—running, reading, staying off social media, and expanding my skills at work. While they have kept me occupied, they haven’t fully shielded me from the brewing storm. 

I feel the need for something stronger to anchor my ship, and that’s when I came across The Daily Stoic website.

Stoicism. It’s a philosophy designed to make us more resilient, happier, more virtuous and more wise–and as a result, better people, better parents and better professionals. 

It felt like exactly what the doctor ordered. 

Whether at work or in my personal life, I firmly believe in putting in the hours. It takes time and effort to truly improve—whether in our careers or hobbies. While I strive to do this in my own way, I’ve noticed a recurring frustration: seeing others unwilling to put in the same effort or embrace a different approach. Too often, that frustration overshadows the joy of my own progress. Worse, my attempts at self-improvement can be derailed as I dwell on these negative thoughts. Stoicism has helped me rein them in, offering a clearer perspective and a sense of control over my reactions.

A core principle that defines me is the commitment to fairness and justice. If there’s one value I have consistently strived to uphold, it is to be just—no matter the circumstances. So, when I discovered that justice is one of the core principles of Stoicism, I was more than curious—I felt compelled to embrace it.

We tend to get worked up about so many things. 

“We are often more frightened than hurt; and we suffer more from imagination than from reality.” — Seneca

Our brains tend to overanalyze details and anticipate the worst possible outcome in every scenario. While this fight-or-flight response was crucial for survival throughout history, the constant emotional stress it generates is unnecessary in most modern-day situations.

The first rule of Stoicism is to categorize everything into two buckets: what you can control and what you cannot. The moment you do this; you begin to realize that most of your emotions are stirred by things outside your control.

By categorizing our thoughts into what we can and cannot control, it becomes clear that things beyond our control will remain unchanged, no matter how much we worry. The moment we truly accept this, a sense of calm naturally follows.

A key benefit of this visualization exercise is that it trains our minds to become more observant. We learn to process the world around us as it is—without immediate judgment or emotional bias. Over time, this practice helps us recognize patterns, understand behaviors, and differentiate between good and bad actions with greater clarity.

As we train our minds to observe and embrace different perspectives, our senses become more attuned to the present moment. We start appreciating the sights and sounds around us in a deeper way, finding beauty in the ordinary. A sense of purpose emerges in our activities, guiding us to refrain from actions that lack meaning. These small shifts accumulate, leading to a more intentional and fulfilling life.

“All you need are these: certainty of judgment in the present moment; action for the common good in the present moment; and an attitude of gratitude in the present moment for anything that comes your way.” — Marcus Aurelius

The final lesson to embrace is the simple truth that actions have consequences. Positive actions foster connection, drawing people closer, while negative actions create distance and isolation. Understanding this fundamental principle can profoundly shift your state of mind. You no longer feel the need to act out of ego or to seek validation from others. Instead, you begin to make choices based on a deeper awareness of their meaning and impact. Eastern philosophy encapsulates this concept as mindfulness—a practice of being present and intentional. I find it beautiful that, across cultures and philosophies, there is a shared human desire: to grow, to improve, and to be better than we were yesterday.